U.S. Conference of Mayors Responds to Congressional Budget Office Score of House Healthcare Bill

Sara Durr

2 years ago

Statement of Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, Chair

USCM Children, Health and Human Services Committee

Washington, D.C. – On behalf of the nation’s mayors, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Children, Health and Human Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to today’s Congressional Budget Office score of the American Health Care Act of 2017:

“Today’s CBO score confirms that the American Health Care Act of 2017 would put millions of people in our cities in jeopardy.

“The bill throws a one-two punch—stripping 23 million people of their insurance and applying skyrocketing premiums to others, particularly those who can least afford it.

“As Mayors, we share a responsibility for the health and well-being of our communities, which includes ensuring access to comprehensive and affordable health care. The effects of the AHCA will be felt most heavily at the local level. It is our cities and counties that will see increases in indigent care costs for our hospitals, in uninsured rates and uncompensated care costs; and it is our low and moderate income residents who will return to a time of having to choose between health care and everyday living expenses.

“As the Senate takes up its work, the U.S. Conference of Mayors remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with the Senate on ensuring access to affordable health care for all.”